Review: Blondie @ Manchester Apollo

Over three decades since their formation, New York’s most glamorous nu-wavers proved to be very much still on top of their game during this sold out Manchester gig.

Jayne Robinson

Date published: 22nd Jun 2010

Date: 17th June 2010

Reviewed by: Kelly Murray 

Over three decades since their formation, New York’s most glamorous nu-wavers proved to be very much still on top of their game during this sold out Manchester gig.

Front woman Debbie Harry is startlingly beautiful for a woman who could well be collecting her pension. Dressed in big black wedges and a Lady GaGa-esque platinum wig, she looks every inch the effortless Queen of punk, complete with trademark cheek bones of course.

Three songs in, and the classics are blaring out. “Hello Manchester! This is Blondie Calling!” says Harry, before ‘Hanging On The Telephone’ causes a familiar uproar with fans. And time in this case, changes nothing - the best element of Blondie remains in full flow as Harry’s voice reaches beyond expectation.

The mix of old classics, lesser known and new songs are what evidentially make Blondie such a mainstay for generations of music buffs after their initial success. During ‘Atomic’, Harry dominates the stage, yet as the guitar solo (which is made of pure stadium rock) peaks, she lets her band take the limelight.

Completing the line-up tonight are original members Chris Stein, Leigh Fox and Clem Burke (donning the all important CBGB’s tee-shirt) with Tommy Kessler filling in on live shows for Jimmy Destri. But the main instrumental attraction comes in the form of new boy Matt Katz-Bowen whom Harry refers to as ‘Mr White’. Not as far as we know, for his inability to tan, but rather for his eccentric white suit and white keyboard played on a strap. Katz-Bowen may look like someone from 303! raided the Miami Vice wardrobe department, but he’s pure entertainment.

Before we hear ‘The Rapture’, Harry announces they’re touring to promote their brand new album entitled Panic Of Girls, adding “If we ever get a release date, it’ll be a f***ing miracle!”. We’re given a test drive of new material including the charming ‘Love Doesn’t Frighten Me At All’, which is text book Blondie; romantic story-telling through melodic rock n’ roll.

Set to a simple yet effective stage backdrop of fun graffiti and a gold disco ball which gives an 80’s prom movie scene feel to the night, it's a graceful choice, no big theatrics here. Favourites such as ‘Call Me’ and ‘Maria’ rattle through the balcony until a random addition comes during the encore. Random being that Blondie, scene starting, rebellious, legends cover Taio Cruz’s chart-topper ‘Break Your Heart’. Weird eh?

We’re not left head-scratching though as ‘Heart Of Glass’ is our final chapter this evening, played to loyal, on-going appreciation. Blondie claim a piece of monumental history which few bands could even dream about, but in 2010 they’re as relevant as they are loved.